Erin Outlaws clawed by Thundercats at Durham

DURHAM – The Erin Outlaws surrendered at least two goals in each period as they were downed 7-3 by the Durham Thundercats in Ontario Elite Hockey League play Friday night at the Durham Community Centre and Arena.

The Outlaws scored the opening goal of the game, but Durham fired in a pair of goals in the final two and a half minutes of the first period to go ahead 2-1. The Thundercats scored both goals of the second period to advance their lead to three goals.

Mike Kri, Stuart Barber and Jacob Coulson had a goal apiece for Erin while single assists went to Jacob Miller, Coulson, Luke Miehm, Kri, Joey Warywoda and Liam Galton.

Kyler Nixon and Luke Richardson each had two goals for Durham while single goals were added by Alex Paylor, Trevor Hughson and Justin Graham. Richardson, Hughson and Riley O’Connell each had three assists while Brock Hare, Moses Vaz, Connor Prins, Brady Becker and Jarret Woon Sam each had one.

The Outlaws outshot the Thundercats 52-47 and went 1-for-4 on their power play while Durham went 1-for-7.

Mac Reamey had 40 saves for Erin while Brendon Landry had 49 for Durham.

The result leaves the two teams tied seventh with four points apiece. Durham, at 2-1-0-0, has two games in hand on Erin at 2-3-0-0.

Creemore Coyotes (3-0-0-0), Minto 81’s (3-1-1-0), Seaforth Centenaires (3-1-0-0), Ripley Wolves (2-0-0-2), Saugeen Shores Winterhawks (3-2-0-0) and Tavistock Royals (3-2-0-0) are all tied for first with six points. Georgian Bay Applekings (1-3-0-0), Lucknow Lancers (0-2-0-0) and Milverton Four Wheel Drives (0-5-0-0) trail.

The Outlaws have a pair of home games at the Centre 2000 arena next weekend as they’re to host Saugeen Shores Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Milverton Sunday at 4 p.m.

• Guelph Sports Journal